05/10/2012

Builder jailed for manslaughter of 3-year-old Meg Burgess

George Collier was today sentenced to two years’ imprisonment over the death of three-year-old Meg Burgess, who died after a wall built by Mr Collier collapsed on top of her.

The jury found Mr Collier guilty of gross negligence manslaughter. His company, Parcol Developments Ltd, based in Conwy, previously pleaded guilty to failure to discharge a duty under Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at work Act 1974 on 7 December 2011.

Rosemary Ainslie, lawyer for the CPS Special Crime division, said:

“This was a tragic case, in which a young girl lost her life.

“Mr Collier was responsible for the design and construction of the wall but did not make sure it was built to safe standards, nor did he prevent members of the public from walking past it, with terrible consequences.

“The jury has found Mr Collier guilty of gross negligence manslaughter and his conviction should act not only as a reminder of the dangers of sub-standard building work but also of the consequences for those who carry it out.